University Department of History Day marked

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Day of the University Department of History was marked. The Holy Mass in the university chapel was presided over by University Chaplain Branimir Jagodić, with concelebrants including the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD; Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission, Prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD; Secretary General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, Assistant Professor Krunoslav Novak, PhD; and Assistant Professor Odilon Singbo, PhD.

In his homily, Rev. Jagodić emphasized how people often seek additional signs from God, even though they have already experienced His presence, because they fail to recognize what has already been given to them. He highlighted that the issue is not a lack of divine signs, but human distraction and closedness, which prevent people from seeing them in everyday life. In the context of studying history, the message pointed out that knowledge and facts alone cannot fulfill a person or provide meaning without a deeper relationship with God. In conclusion, Jesus is presented as the “bread of life,” conveying that true fulfillment comes not through spectacular signs, but through the simple, constant presence of God.

Following the Mass, a formal academic ceremony was held in the “Blessed Alojzije Cardinal Stepinac” Hall, where Assistant Veronika Novoselac first addressed those gathered.

Special guests included Vlado Mikšić, Secretary of the Office for Cultural Heritage of the Archdiocese of Zagreb; Associate Professor Željko Holjevac, PhD; Prof. Ante Nazor, PhD; Prof. Emilio Marin, PhD, the first professor emeritus of the Catholic University of Croatia and a member of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences as well as the Scientific Council of the Holy See for the evaluation and promotion of the quality of studies at ecclesiastical universities and faculties; Dr. Dinko Čutura; Associate Professor Denis Barić, PhD; and Associate Professor Josip Mihaljević, PhD.

After the opening prayer by Rev. Jagodić and the Croatian national anthem, Assistant Novoselac reflected on History Week and announced the exhibition “File: Silenced - History Between Archives and Silence,” after which Rector Tanjić addressed the audience. He highlighted the successful and fruitful cooperation with the Faculty of Catholic Theology through a double major program and thanked all teachers and students who contribute daily to the promotion of history studies. He also thanked the Head of Department, Associate Professor Mario Kevo, PhD, whose contribution has left a deep mark and laid strong foundations for further development, and announced that elections for a new Head of Department will soon follow.

The Head of the University Department of History then addressed the audience, reflecting on his eight-year mandate, wishing success to his successor, and thanking all colleagues with whom he had collaborated over the years. This was followed by the presentation of certificates of appreciation to external collaborators, awarded to Associate Professor Josip Mihaljević, PhD; Prof. Mario Jareb, PhD; Prof. Irena Benyovsky, PhD; and Associate Professor Taras Barščevski, PhD.

Head Kevo and Rector Tanjić then presented departmental awards to students. For the best academic performance in the 2024/2025 academic year, the following students were awarded: Mate Vračan, Renato Kozarić, Leon Brnad, Maja Lucić, Iva Mihekovec, Martina Špilek, Kristina Martinelli, Mislav Mikec, Nikola Budor, and Vedran Muhvić. The award for the best master’s thesis, “Health Education in Velika Kopanica Between the Two World Wars,” was given to Ivan Buljan under the supervision of Associate Professor Kristina Puljizević, PhD. For outstanding extracurricular engagement in promoting the Department and the discipline, Adrijana Kikić and Iva Mihekovec were recognized for their work within the History Students’ Club Homo volans and their involvement in organizing key projects.

Student Kikić concluded the awards ceremony with an emotional speech, ending with the words of the “small but great apprentice Hlapić”: “Thank you for your kindness, I am going out into the world. I will think of you and help everyone, just as you have helped me.”

The Day of the University Department of History concluded with the opening of the exhibition “File: Silenced - History Between Archives and Silence.”